Final Supplement 500 Tuna Products March 2026

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) has issued Final Supplement 500 to the Master Solicitation for the procurement of canned and pouch tuna products for federal food and nutrition assistance programs, effective March 2026. This solicitation, identified by number 12-3J14-Notice-26-008, utilizes a competitive bid process to acquire chunk light tuna in various sizes, including 12.0 oz and 66.5 oz cans and 43.0 oz pouches. Key updates in this supplement include new verbiage for 613 Va’ad kosher products for the NYS Kosher Commodities Co-op, a requirement to record truck seal numbers on the Bill of Lading, and the inclusion of the Solicitation Description Number on Certificates of Loading issued by USDC/NOAA SIP. Contractors must adhere to strict regulatory and quality standards, including FDA regulations and the Dolphin Protection Consumer Information Act. All products must be U.S.-produced, certified kosher, and processed in USDC/NOAA SIP Approved Establishments. Rigorous inspection protocols are in place, where USDC/NOAA SIP inspectors conduct random sampling and organoleptic evaluations; any single swollen or leaking can will result in the rejection of the entire lot. Additionally, contractors are required to maintain an AMS-approved food defense plan and ensure all shipments are secured with tamper-proof, serially numbered seals. Eligibility is contingent upon the contractor not being suspended or debarred under 48 C.F.R. Subpart 9.4 and maintaining a positive delivery record with the USDA.